Gareth Bale distances himself from comparisons with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo

Gareth Bale has distanced himself from comparisons with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo – insisting he wants to do his talking on the pitch.

The Welsh star was instrumental in Spurs’ 3-2 victory over West Ham on Monday night and has been the driving force behind the north London club’s quest for Champions League football next season.

Many believe the 23-year-old is gaining ground on the La Liga superstars but Bale insists he’s not interested in those links and is concerned only that Tottenham do well.

When asked whether he’s as good as Ronaldo or Messi, he said: “It’s not for me to say. People can talk and say what they want. They have their own opinions. All I can do is keep trying my hardest and keep playing my best football and trying to do my best for the team.

“If newspapers want to talk and start saying things then that is entirely up to them. I can’t control that, all I can do is play well on the pitch.”